Red Goosefoot

chenopodium rubrum

Also known as: ["Red Goosefoot"]

Family: Amaranthaceae Genus: Chenopodium Category: Herbs & Weeds

Overview

A herbaceous annual plant in the goosefoot family, known for its reddish stems and leaves.

Benefits & Perks

["fast growing","drought tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Amaranthaceae
Genus: Chenopodium
Botanical Name: Chenopodium rubrum

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Herbs & Weeds
  • Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in temperate climates, or indoor pot with bright, indirect light
  • Suitable For:
    Busy People (low Maintenance) Outdoor Landscapers
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–25°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"7–10"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 2–3 months or after flowering.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate, removing only spent flowers or leggy stems.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily. Tolerates partial shade but may stretch in low light.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense light to prevent scorching. Place indoors near a bright window or outdoors in dappled sunlight.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil conditions.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

easy

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant for even growth; avoid direct midday sun; adjust for seasonal light changes.

Watering

every 5–7 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure good drainage; avoid waterlogging.

Soil

well-draining, sandy loam with moderate organic content

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter.

Temperature

Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C). Tolerates cooler temperatures but grows best in moderate warmth.

Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from frost; maintain moderate indoor temps.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during growing season

Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize during active growth; stop in dormant periods.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or seed. Stem cuttings are faster and more reliable.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a 3–4 inch cutting.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Keep moist.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm, humid, and bright indirect light with bottom heat if possible.

Medium

Well-draining mix like perlite and peat moss or cactus soil.

Hormone

Optional but recommended for faster rooting.

Timeline

Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 4–6 weeks.

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium.

Quick Tips

Use sterile tools; maintain humidity with a plastic bag; keep out of direct sun.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips or cut stems just above a leaf node.

Pruning Plan

Light pruning to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.

Tools

Clean, sharp scissors or pruners.

Checklist

Sanitize tools; prune dead or leggy growth; shape as desired; dispose of clippings.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the active growing season begins.

Pot Size

One size larger pot, ensuring good drainage.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; place in a new pot with fresh soil; water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 1–2 years or when roots fill the pot. Young plants may need repotting more frequently.

Checklist

Check root bound status; prepare new pot; use fresh soil; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water thoroughly; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom, ensuring even moisture without saturating the soil. Water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.

Pro Tip: Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the roots.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water moderately, allowing the top inch of soil to dry between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, leaf drop, or stunted growth in extreme heat or cold.

Cold Stress

Slows growth and may cause leaf discoloration or dieback in prolonged cold.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; protect from drafts; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.

Hot Stress

Leaves may wilt, curl, or develop brown edges in excessive heat.

Solution: Provide shade; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check season; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; avoid contact with leaves.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Chenopodium rubrum may indicate nutrient deficiencies, such as nitrogen or iron, or could be a sign of stress from environmental factors like waterlogging or excessive sunlight.

Wilting in Chenopodium rubrum is often a response to water stress, either due to drought conditions or root damage from overwatering, which can impair water uptake.

Leaf spots on Chenopodium rubrum are typically caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, resulting in necrotic lesions that can reduce photosynthetic efficiency and weaken the plant.

Rotting in Chenopodium rubrum, particularly root or stem rot, is commonly caused by fungal pathogens in waterlogged soils, leading to decay and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Chenopodium rubrum is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of adverse effects in felines after ingestion.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are required for cats that may ingest Chenopodium rubrum.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Chenopodium rubrum is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects in canines after ingestion.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are required for dogs that may ingest Chenopodium rubrum.
Humans
Non-toxic

Chenopodium rubrum is generally considered non-toxic to humans. It has not been reported to cause any significant toxic effects when ingested in typical amounts.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are required for human consumption of Chenopodium rubrum.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Chenopodium rubrum edible?

A: While some Chenopodium species are edible, Chenopodium rubrum is generally considered mildly toxic and not recommended for consumption.

Q: How does Chenopodium rubrum grow?

A: It is an annual plant that thrives in disturbed soils and can spread quickly in favorable conditions.

Q: Does Chenopodium rubrum attract wildlife?

A: It may attract some pollinators, but it is not a primary wildlife attractant.

Quick Reference
Family: Amaranthaceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 5–7 days during active
Suitable For: ["busy people (low maintenance)","outdoor landscapers"]
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